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Pray that God will fill the Slavic believers with a hunger for His Word: "Desire the sincere milk of the Word" (1 Peter 2:2), and a spirit of prayer: "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Ask God to call many young men and women to serve Him sacrificially and sincerely in places of leadership. Pray that some will choose to serve in other Slavic countries as missionaries. Intercede for the Christian leadership in Eastern Europe that they will withstand the powers of darkness and remain stable in their spiritual roles. |
Do you remember as a child looking up at the skies and visualizing the clouds as interesting objects created by your innocent imagination? On a clear day, the clouds appear impressive and insurmountable, floating across the face of the blue sky.
Clouds play an important role in the imagery presented throughout the Bible. “God is light” (1 John 4:8), and it is impossible for man to gaze upon His blazing glory with the human eye. Therefore, the Creator seeks to condescend toward mankind in order that they might comprehend His character. And throughout the Scriptures, He accomplishes this task with the symbolic significance of the cloud.
First of all, the cloud represents the glory and the presence of the Lord. When Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of Israel during their grumblings, “the glory of the Lord appeared in a cloud” (Exodus 16:10) and when God appeared to Moses on Mt. Horeb, “the cloud covered the mountain” (Exodus 24:15). As King Solomon prepared to consecrate the Temple and the priests exited the most sacred place, “the cloud filled the house of the Lord” (1 Kings 8:11).
This symbolism also saturates the writings of the New Testament. During the baptism of Jesus, “the heavens were opened” and a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:16-17). When Moses and Elijah communed with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, it is said that “a cloud formed, overshadowing them” (Mark 9:7). As the disciples beheld their Savior ascending into heaven, “a cloud received Him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9).
Secondly, clouds symbolize the guidance and protection of the Lord. The guiding hand of God was symbolized by “a pillar of cloud” (Exodus 13:21) among the Israelites, as they journeyed in the wilderness during the day. Guidance is given by God to His children, who are “compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) — so many godly examples of the past. Before the final judgment of the world, protection is guaranteed to God’s children who are still alive, for they “shall be caught up… in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
Finally, Clouds symbolize the greatness and power of the Lord. “Ascribe strength to God; His majesty is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds” (Psalm 68:34). “In whirlwind and storm is His way, and the clouds are the dust beneath His feet” (Nahum 1:3). When Jesus was brought before the council to be condemned, he said to the high priest, “You shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming with the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62). When the Messiah returns to judge the world, the inhabitants of the earth will “see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27).
God, in His infinite wisdom, has given us a vivid picture of His glorious character. “Do you know about the layers of the thick clouds, the wonders of One perfect in knowledge?” (Job 37:16). Every time one looks into the skies and sees the clouds, one is reminded that Jesus Christ will come again to fulfill His purposes upon the earth. “Behold, He is coming with the clouds” (Revelation 1:7).
Rob Zapotoski,
SMS interim Director
First of all, the cloud represents the glory and the presence of the Lord. When Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of Israel during their grumblings, “the glory of the Lord appeared in a cloud” (Exodus 16:10) and when God appeared to Moses on Mt. Horeb, “the cloud covered the mountain” (Exodus 24:15). As King Solomon prepared to consecrate the Temple and the priests exited the most sacred place, “the cloud filled the house of the Lord” (1 Kings 8:11).
This symbolism also saturates the writings of the New Testament. During the baptism of Jesus, “the heavens were opened” and a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:16-17). When Moses and Elijah communed with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, it is said that “a cloud formed, overshadowing them” (Mark 9:7). As the disciples beheld their Savior ascending into heaven, “a cloud received Him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9).
Secondly, clouds symbolize the guidance and protection of the Lord. The guiding hand of God was symbolized by “a pillar of cloud” (Exodus 13:21) among the Israelites, as they journeyed in the wilderness during the day. Guidance is given by God to His children, who are “compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) — so many godly examples of the past. Before the final judgment of the world, protection is guaranteed to God’s children who are still alive, for they “shall be caught up… in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
Finally, Clouds symbolize the greatness and power of the Lord. “Ascribe strength to God; His majesty is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds” (Psalm 68:34). “In whirlwind and storm is His way, and the clouds are the dust beneath His feet” (Nahum 1:3). When Jesus was brought before the council to be condemned, he said to the high priest, “You shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming with the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62). When the Messiah returns to judge the world, the inhabitants of the earth will “see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27).
God, in His infinite wisdom, has given us a vivid picture of His glorious character. “Do you know about the layers of the thick clouds, the wonders of One perfect in knowledge?” (Job 37:16). Every time one looks into the skies and sees the clouds, one is reminded that Jesus Christ will come again to fulfill His purposes upon the earth. “Behold, He is coming with the clouds” (Revelation 1:7).
Rob Zapotoski,
SMS interim Director
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I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
Psalm 119:10
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Pray that the Gospel will reach the millions in the Slavic countries that have not yet heard what Christ has done for them. Many small cities and towns still do not have an official place of worship. Ask God to help the Slavic churches be effective witnesses in their neighborhoods. Pray that souls will continue to be saved, baptized and discipled through the ministries of the church. Pray that the Holy Spirit powerfully and persistently will convict men of sin and lead many to believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. |